Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this plant needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. The seeds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in spring. Keep seedlings lightly moist, and transplant them as soon as they have developed several leaves.Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established. This plant grows very quickly and needs little care, though it grows best in moist soil.
Mature plants tolerate heat but not drought. Deadhead for the longest blooming period.
Mature plants can be divided. This plant attracts butterflies, and may self-seed.Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened.
Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' (Autumn Sun) This is perhaps the tallest of the Susans, growing so high that you can admire its enormous flowers at eye level. The petals droop delicately, drawing attention to the prominent gumdrop-shaped green center cones. Because of its height, this Susie can topple unless given some support. SEED: Growing your own plants from seed is the most economical way to add natives to your home. Before you get started, one of the most important things to know about the seeds of wild plants is that many have built-in dormancy mechanisms that prevent the seed from germinating.
Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.Seed Saving: After the flower petals fall from the head, the center cone will begin to develop seed. Remove the seed heads as soon as the stem beneath the cone begins to turn dry and brown. Spread the seed heads out to dry away from direct sunlight, then separate the small seeds from the stems by rubbing them lightly. Store the cleaned seed in a dry, cool place. Review By Jim Wild Golden GlowFollow up on my previous review. I jumped the gun. A few more weeks into the season this plant bombarded the flower bed with hundreds of its small yello blooms.
You could never count them. The sheer numbers overcome any prblem you might have with the bloom size Wish I could control the heighth a bit, as mine grew to 8 or 9 feet tall climbing above the gutters. Gave severalk plants to neighbors and thney all transplanted well though already 6 feet tall. Glad I stuck with them an extra few weeks.well worth it.
Review By Jim Cut Leaf ConeflowerPlanted seeds and got greeerny but no flowers first blooming season. Grew like wildfire second year reaching from 4 to over 6 feet tall. Spreads like crazy but can be controlled. Interesting greenery but disappointing flowers. Flowers came second year in mid-June-zone 7B. They are TINY.
They are numerous but are in direct contrast to the large size of the plant. Easy peasy to grow. If you want color don't pick this. If you appreciate interesting leaves and vigorous growth, go for it. The photo on the seed packet makes it look like nice large flowers. Not gonna happen. IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY VIA THE US POST OFFICE.
This perennial likes shade and moisture and will grow into a giant when happy. This native wildflower is used in many native woodland plantings and fills in the upper story of the planting.Also known as 'Green-headed Coneflower,' this species is distinctive because of the attractive green centers and delicately spaced petals. The genus name 'Rudbeckia' honors a family of renowned scientists and professors, the Rudbecks of Sweden, who taught Carl Linnaeus at the University of Uppsula.
The species name 'amplexicaulis' means 'stem-clasping,' in reference to the growth of the leaves. Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this plant needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. The seeds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in spring. Keep seedlings lightly moist, and transplant them as soon as they have developed several leaves.Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established.
This plant grows very quickly and needs little care, though it grows best in moist soil. Mature plants tolerate heat but not drought. Deadhead for the longest blooming period. Mature plants can be divided. This plant attracts butterflies, and may self-seed.Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.Seed Saving: After the flower petals fall from the head, the center cone will begin to develop seed. Remove the seed heads as soon as the stem beneath the cone begins to turn dry and brown.
Spread the seed heads out to dry away from direct sunlight, then separate the small seeds from the stems by rubbing them lightly. Store the cleaned seed in a dry, cool place. Review By Jim Wild Golden GlowFollow up on my previous review. I jumped the gun. A few more weeks into the season this plant bombarded the flower bed with hundreds of its small yello blooms.
You could never count them. The sheer numbers overcome any prblem you might have with the bloom size Wish I could control the heighth a bit, as mine grew to 8 or 9 feet tall climbing above the gutters. Gave severalk plants to neighbors and thney all transplanted well though already 6 feet tall. Glad I stuck with them an extra few weeks.well worth it. Review By Jim Cut Leaf ConeflowerPlanted seeds and got greeerny but no flowers first blooming season. Grew like wildfire second year reaching from 4 to over 6 feet tall. Spreads like crazy but can be controlled.
Interesting greenery but disappointing flowers. Flowers came second year in mid-June-zone 7B.
They are TINY. They are numerous but are in direct contrast to the large size of the plant. Easy peasy to grow. If you want color don't pick this. If you appreciate interesting leaves and vigorous growth, go for it. The photo on the seed packet makes it look like nice large flowers. Not gonna happen.
Photo by: darkmoon1968 / Pixabay.comRight on cue during the dog days of August, black-eyed Susans ( Rudbeckia) illuminate flower gardens and open fields everywhere like bright rays of sunshine. If any plant could be the poster child of late summer it would be this one. The brightly colored flowers in cheery shades of lemon-yellow, orange, and gold bloom for weeks with minimal care. They also attract a continuous procession of pollinators, bringing even more color and vibrancy to the summer garden.Although black-eyed Susans have often been dismissed as common wildflowers, the National Garden Bureau put them in the spotlight as first-rate garden plants by declaring Rudbeckia the plant of the year in 2008. This well-deserved accolade has led to the development of an impressive array of garden cultivars in a complete gamut of heights, colors, and forms. These new-generation Susies offer greater flair and versatility, making them suitable for settings ranging from prairie-style plots to urban gardens.On this page:. BLACK-EYED SUSAN BASICSRudbekia is a member of the sunflower family ( Asteraceae) and has similar daisy-like flowers.
Although black-eyed Susans are also called coneflowers because of their cone-shaped heads, they should not be confused with ( Echinacea purpurea). Both flowers come from the same plant family and require similar growing conditions, but the color and appearance of the flowers differ.
Confusion also arises when gardeners come across the black-eyed Susan vine ( Thunbergia alata). This unrelated Rudbeckia look-alike is a tender, warm-climate perennial native to Africa. Zones:Varies by species, but the typical range is 3 through 9. Bloom period:Plants have a long bloom period even without deadheading, typically flourishing from late July until the first frost. Some cultivars, such as ‘Early Bird Gold’, have extended bloom times and will begin flowering in mid to late spring.
Height:Varies dramatically, anywhere from 10 inches to 7 feet, depending on the cultivar. Flower characteristics:Flower sizes range from 2 to 9 inches wide and can be single, semi-double, or fully double. The petals range in shade from bright yellow to orange-gold, and some cultivars display flushes of red, bronze or mahogany. The flower's eye, or center, is actually more dark brown than black, but some cultivars, such as ‘Prairie Sun’, have green centers. Common types:There are about 25 species of Rudbeckia, all native to North America. Many species are actually biennials or short-lived perennials but because they self-sow readily, they often return each spring from seed dispersed the previous fall. Rudbeckia hirta (common black-eyed Susan) and R.
Fulgida (orange coneflower) are the species most readily available to gardeners and include many of the newest cultivars. However, there are number of other species worth seeking out because of their unique attributes including R. Maxima (large coneflower), R. Laciniata (tall coneflower), R. Triloba (brown-eyed Susan or three-lobed coneflower), R.
Subtomentosa (sweet coneflower), and R. Nitida (shiny coneflower). HOW TO PLANT When to plant:Although black-eyed Susans can often be purchased as bedding plants in the spring, they are very easy to grow from seed and you’ll have a much broader selection of cultivars to choose from.
You can start the seeds indoors in early spring about 10 weeks before your climate’s last frost date or sow them directly in the garden in spring or summer. Perennial varieties can be sown from seed or transplanted in fall or early spring. For the best seed germination, plant when the soil temperature has warmed to about 70° F. Where to plant:Rudbeckia will thrive in just about any sunny location that has well-drained soil. They will tolerate drought better than they will soggy ground. If you live in a hot, humid climate, choose a spot in the garden where your plants will receive ample air circulation to avoid the development of. Sowing directly in the garden:Scatter seeds then gently press them into the soil or cover with a very light layer of soil.
Water regularly to keep the seedbed moist. As seedlings grow, thin to 6 to 12 inches apart for dwarf varieties and annuals and 18 to 30 inches apart for perennials, depending on the mature size of the plant. Water thoroughly to keep the soil moist until your plants become established. Once they are well-rooted, they will be able to tolerate dry conditions.
Sowing seed indoors:Sow seed indoors following the seed packet’s directions for planting depth, growing medium, and watering requirements. As soon as the seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light by placing them on a sunny windowsill or beneath fluorescent plant lights (see ). Before planting your seedlings outdoors, be sure to accustom them to outdoor conditions by keeping them in a cold frame or another sheltered spot for a week. GROWING TIPSLike most wildflowers, black-eyed Susans are remarkably carefree, drought-tolerant, and disease resistant.
Even so, here are some steps you can take to prolong their bloom time and keep them healthy:. To extend the flowering period, deadhead your plants by pinching off the blooms at the base of the stem. You can cut also cut back black-eyed Susans after they flower to encourage a second surge of blooms later in the fall. If you want to attract birds to your garden, leave a few flower heads on your plants and let them to go to seed. You’ll also be rewarded by new seedlings sprouting up in the garden the following spring. Because Rudbeckia are zealous self-seeders, you may end up with more plants than you bargained for. If your plot becomes overcrowded, remove or transplant the extras.
You can propagate perennial black-eyed Susans by division in early spring, just as growth begins to develop, or in the fall after they finish flowering. Simply dig up the root ball and cut it with a sharp knife, making sure each division has roots. Replant the divisions about 12 to 18 inches apart. Black-eyed Susans don’t like water lingering on their foliage, which can result in powdery mildew. Be sure to maintain adequate spacing between plants and water at soil level rather than watering from above. Rudbeckia hirta 'Double Gold’ (Gloriosa daisy)A very showy double-flowered form of black-eyed Susan with large golden-yellow flowers up to 3 ½ inches wide produced in profusion on long, sturdy stems. Grow as an annual or a short-lived perennial.
In mild climates, seed may be sown directly in the garden and will begin to germinate in 2 to 3 weeks.Zones: 4-9Height: 3 feetAlso try: ‘Maya’, another double-flowered Susan with fluffy blooms that look like golden pom-poms with a hint of green in the center. More compact than ‘Double Gold’, staying under 2 feet tall.
Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherokee Sunset'This popular All-America Selection features flowers in a warm autumnal color palette of yellow, orange, bronze, and mahogany. Double and semi-double blooms range from 3 to 4 ½ inches across and vary in color intensity like the changing hues of the setting sun. This half-hardy annual requires winter protection from frost but will enthusiastically reseed in the garden and return the following year.Zones: 5-9Height: 24 to 30 inchesAlso try: 'Autumn Colors', a rich blend of gold, red, rust, and bronze on impressively large flowers up to 5 inches across. Rudbeckia fulgida var. Sullivantii ‘Goldsturm'‘Goldsturm’ lives up to its German name, which means “gold storm”, producing a tempest of 3- to 4-inch blooms from late July through September. This hardy Rudbeckia is also a long-lived perennial once established. Chosen as the 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.Zones: 3-9Height: 2 to 3 feetAlso try: ‘Little Goldstar', which has all the attributes of ‘Goldsturm’ in a compact knee-high size ideal for containers and space-challenged urban gardens.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Toto Lemon’The dwarf ‘Toto Lemon’ (part of the Toto® series) bears an abundance of large 2- to 3-inch lemon-yellow blooms with chocolate-brown centers. Will herondale and tessa gray. Because of its tidy, compact habit, the flowers appear to cover the entire plant like a ready-made bouquet.
Ideal for containers and mixed borders. Not perennial but will often reseed.Zones: 5-9Height: 10 to 12 inchesAlso try: Other Rudbeckia in the Toto series, including ‘Toto Gold’, which has deep golden-yellow petals, and ‘Toto Rustic’, with petals that are mahogany red at the base and golden yellow at the tips.
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Early Bird Gold'The name says it all. The perky golden flowers of this enthusiastic bloomer begin to awaken before those of the other Susans, putting on a display from mid-June through October. A unique day-neutral plant, it flowers regardless of the period of daylight it’s exposed to, thus the extended bloom time. It also stays nice and compact, making it a good choice for bringing continuous color to smaller gardens or the front of the border.Zones: 3-9Height: 1 ½ to 2 feetAlso try: Rudbeckia hirta ‘Marmalade’, another low-growing variety with a long blooming season and luscious orange-yellow petals.
Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' (Autumn Sun)This is perhaps the tallest of the Susans, growing so high that you can admire its enormous flowers at eye level. The petals droop delicately, drawing attention to the prominent gumdrop-shaped green center cones.
Because of its height, this Susie can topple unless given some support. For a shorter-statured plant, cut back by half in June before flowering occurs.Zones: 5-9Height: 4 to 7 feetAlso try: For another statuesque Rudbeckia, look for the aptly named large coneflower ( R. These Susies can also grow to 7 feet, but their most remarkable features are the tall dark-brown center cones up to 6 inches high. Black-eyed Susans grow alongside bee balm. Photo by: Vahan Abrahamyan / Shutterstock.Although the bright, sunny flowers and dark center cones of black-eyed Susans create a striking color contrast on their own, these versatile plants pair beautifully in the garden with other summer- and fall-blooming perennials and annuals.